Offset rods, offset rod connectors, and related methods

ABSTRACT

Devices and methods that allow a rod to be offset in a relatively small amount of space are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, first and second offset rods can be joined by a plate-type connector having a reduced thickness suitable for insertion into a small space, e.g., between adjacent bone anchors. In some embodiments, first and second offset rods can be joined by a curved connector that conforms to adjacent bone anchors and likewise has a reduced thickness.

FIELD

Orthopedic devices and methods are disclosed herein, including offset rods, offset rod connectors, and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Fixation systems can be used in orthopedic surgery to align and/or fix a desired relationship between two or more bones or bone fragments. For example, in spinal surgery, spinal fixation systems can be used to align and/or fix a desired relationship between vertebrae. A typical spinal fixation system can include bone screws or other anchors implanted in the vertebrae and connected by longitudinal rods.

There are a number of instances in which it can be desirable or necessary for a rod to include a lateral offset along its length. For example, in a construct that includes pedicle screws and lateral mass screws, a rod offset may be required at the transition between a pedicle screw and an adjacent lateral mass screw. Existing approaches for offsetting the rod include using a rod that is bent or using a rod-to-rod connector to connect two separate rods arranged in tandem. These existing approaches require a relatively large amount of space to achieve the desired offset. As a result, the surgeon must often skip over a vertebral level when attaching the fixation system to leave enough room for the lateral transition of the rod.

Accordingly, a need exists for devices and methods that allow a rod to be offset in a relatively small amount of space.

SUMMARY

Devices and methods that allow a rod to be offset in a relatively small amount of space are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, first and second offset rods can be joined by a plate-type connector having a reduced thickness suitable for insertion into a small space, e.g., between adjacent bone anchors. In some embodiments, first and second offset rods can be joined by a curved connector that conforms to adjacent bone anchors and likewise has a reduced thickness.

In some embodiments, a spinal implant system includes a connector having a superior surface from which a first rod extends and an inferior surface from which a second rod extends, the first and second rods being laterally offset from each other; a first bone anchor having a first head configured to receive the first rod therein such that the first rod extends along a first rod axis of the first head, the first head having a thickness T1 along the first rod axis; and a second bone anchor having a second head configured to receive the second rod therein such that the second rod extends along a second rod axis of the second head, the second head having a thickness T2 along the second rod axis; wherein the connector has a thickness TC between the superior and inferior surfaces of the connector; and wherein the ratio of TC:T1 is less than 0.75.

The ratio of TC:T1 can be less than 0.50. The ratio of TC:T1 can be less than 0.33. The ratio of TC:T2 can be less than 0.75. The ratio of TC:T2 can be less than 0.50. The ratio of TC:T2 can be less than 0.33. The first and second rods can be formed integrally with the connector. The first and second rods can be welded, keyed, pinned, snap-fitted, or interference-fitted to the connector. The first and second rods can be threaded into respective recesses formed in the connector. The connector can include a central portion that extends between opposed lateral portions, the thickness TC can be defined at the central portion and the opposed lateral portions can include thicknesses between the superior and inferior surfaces that are greater than TC. The superior surface of the connector can include a first recess in which the first rod is received; the inferior surface of the connector can include a second recess in which the second rod is received; the superior surface of the connector can include a first drive interface opposite to and axially aligned with the second recess; and the inferior surface of the connector can include a second drive interface opposite to and axially aligned with the first recess. The superior surface of the connector can conform to a sidewall surface of the head of the first bone anchor and the inferior surface of the connector can conform to a sidewall surface of the head of the second bone anchor.

In some embodiments, a spinal implant system includes a connector having a superior surface from which a first rod extends and an inferior surface from which a second rod extends, the first and second rods being laterally offset from each other; wherein the first rod has a diameter D1; wherein the second rod has a diameter D2; wherein the connector has a thickness TC between the superior and inferior surfaces of the connector; and wherein the ratio of TC:D1 is less than 1.

The ratio of TC:D1 can be less than 0.75. The ratio of TC:D1 can be less than 0.50. The ratio of TC:D2 can be less than 1. The ratio of TC:D2 can be less than 0.75. The ratio of TC:D2 can be less than 0.50. The first and second rods can be formed integrally with the connector. The first and second rods can be welded, keyed, pinned, snap-fitted, or interference-fitted to the connector. The first and second rods can be threaded into respective recesses formed in the connector. The connector can include a central portion that extends between opposed lateral portions, the thickness TC can be defined at the central portion and the opposed lateral portions can have thicknesses between the superior and inferior surfaces that are greater than TC. The superior surface of the connector can include a first recess in which the first rod is received; the inferior surface of the connector can include a second recess in which the second rod is received; the superior surface of the connector can include a first drive interface opposite to and axially aligned with the second recess; and the inferior surface of the connector can include a second drive interface opposite to and axially aligned with the first recess.

In some embodiments, a spinal implant connector includes a superior surface, an inferior surface, a central portion, first and second lateral portions on opposite sides of the central portion, a first drive interface formed in the superior surface and in the first lateral portion, a first rod recess formed in the superior surface and in the second lateral portion, a second rod recess formed in the inferior surface and in the first lateral portion, and a second drive interface formed in the inferior surface and in the second lateral portion.

The first and second recesses can be threaded. The first and second rod recesses can be welded, keyed, pinned, snap-fitted, or interference-fitted to first and second rods disposed therein. The connector can be S-shaped. The connector can provide a relief for an adjacent bone anchor. The central portion can have a thickness between the superior and inferior surfaces that is less than a thickness of the first lateral portion between the superior and inferior surfaces and less than a thickness of the second lateral portion between the superior and inferior surfaces. The first and second drive interfaces can be formed in respective convex portions of the superior and inferior surfaces. The superior surface can include a convex portion in which the first drive interface is formed, a planar portion in which the first rod recess is formed, and a curved portion connecting the convex portion and the planar portion. The inferior surface can include a convex portion in which the second drive interface is formed, a planar portion in which the second rod recess is formed, and a curved portion connecting the convex portion and the planar portion.

In some embodiments, a surgical method includes implanting a first bone anchor in a first vertebra of a spine of a patient; implanting a second bone anchor in a second vertebra of the spine; and positioning a connector such that: a first rod extending from the connector is seated in the first bone anchor; a second rod extending from the connector is seated in the second bone anchor; a superior surface of the connector contacts an inferior surface of the first bone anchor; and an inferior surface of the connector contacts a superior surface of the second bone anchor.

The superior surface of the connector can conform to the first bone anchor and the inferior surface of the connector can conform to the second bone anchor. The superior surface of the connector can provide a relief to the first bone anchor and the inferior surface of the connector can provide a relief to the second bone anchor. The first and second bone anchors can be positioned on the same side of the midline of the spine. The first and second vertebrae can be adjacent. The first and second vertebrae can be cervical vertebrae. The first vertebra can be C6 and the second vertebra can be C7. The first vertebra can be C6 and the second vertebra can be T1. The first vertebra can be C7 and the second vertebra can be T1. The superior surface can extend around at least 90 degrees of the perimeter of a head of the first bone anchor. The inferior surface can extend around at least 90 degrees of the perimeter of a head of the second bone anchor. Positioning the connector can include threading the first rod into a first recess in the connector and applying torque to a first drive interface of the connector to tighten the first rod to the connector. Positioning the connector can include attaching the first and second rods to the connector, the first and second rods having different diameters.

In some embodiments, a unitary spinal implant includes a first rod having a first diameter D1; a second rod having a second diameter D2, the second rod having an offset OC from the first rod; and a bent portion connecting the first and second rods, the bent portion having a length L defined by a distance between a first end and a second end of the bent portion, wherein a diameter of the bent portion is different from the first diameter D1 and the second diameter D2.

The diameter of the bent portion can include a diameter at the first end D3′ and a diameter at the second end D3″, the bent portion tapering continuously from D3′ to D3″. The bent portion can include a bending radius BR and a transition portion having a transition radius TR, the transition radius TR being equal to the bending radius BR.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description is provided with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an implant that includes laterally-offset rods joined by a connector;

FIG. 1B is an end view of the implant of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a top view of the implant of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a top view of the implant of FIG. 1A, shown with first and second bone anchors;

FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 1A secured to a spine;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another implant that includes laterally-offset rods joined by a connector, shown with first and second bone anchors;

FIG. 2B is a top view of a threaded rod that can be used with the implant of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the connector of the implant of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D is an end view of the connector of the implant of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2E is a top view of the implant and bone anchors of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2F is a perspective view of the implant of FIG. 2A secured to a spine;

FIG. 3A is a top view of another implant that includes laterally-offset rods joined by a connector;

FIG. 3B is a top view of the implant of FIG. 3A with first and second rods having different diameters;

FIG. 3C is a top view of the implant of FIG. 3A with the implant transitioning from one diameter to another in a bent portion;

FIG. 3D is a top view of the implant of FIG. 3A with a bent portion and a transition portion;

FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of a prior art bone anchor assembly; and

FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the bone anchor assembly of FIG. 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Devices and methods that allow a rod to be offset in a relatively small amount of space are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, first and second offset rods can be joined by a plate-type connector having a reduced thickness suitable for insertion into a small space, e.g., between adjacent bone anchors. In some embodiments, first and second offset rods can be joined by a curved connector that conforms to adjacent bone anchors and likewise has a reduced thickness.

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments.

FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an implant 100 which can be used, for example, to connect offsetting bone anchors. As shown, the implant 100 can include a first rod 102, a second rod 104, and a connector 106 that connects the first and second rods 102, 104. The rods 102, 104 and the connector 106 can be a single monolithic unit as shown, or can be separate components permanently or temporarily joined to one another. For example, the first and second rods 102, 104 can be welded or permanently affixed to the connector 106 during manufacturing, or can be selectively coupled to the connector via a mating interface such as a threaded, keyed, pinned, snap-fit, or interference-fit connection, or combinations thereof. The connector 106 can provide a lateral offset or shift between the first rod 102 and the second rod 104. In use, as shown in FIG. 1E, the first and second rods 102, 104 can be secured to respective first and second bone anchors implanted in a patient, e.g., in vertebrae of the patient's spine, with the connector 106 being disposed between the bone anchors.

The low profile nature of the connector 106 can allow the offset connection between the rods 102, 104 to fit in a relatively small space. For example, the connector 106 can fit between bone anchors implanted in adjacent vertebrae, even when the adjacent vertebrae are very closely-spaced, such as the cervical vertebrae or the vertebrae of pediatric or small patients. This can obviate the need for the construct to skip over a vertebral level at the location of the offset, as is typically required with existing offset rods and tandem rod-to-rod connectors. Securing the construct without skipping over a level can, at least in some embodiments, improve the strength or stability of the construct. While it can be advantageous to avoid skipping levels, the methods and devices herein do not require that to be the case.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second rods 102, 104 are elongate cylindrical spinal rods, though it will be appreciated that the first and second rods can take other forms, such as bone plates, wires, tethers, and the like. It will also be appreciated that, while the illustrated rods 102, 104 have a circular cross-section, any of a variety of cross-sections can be used such as oval, oblong, square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, and so forth. The first rod 102 can have a diameter D1 and a central longitudinal axis A1. The second rod 104 can have a diameter D2 and a central longitudinal axis A2. When implanted in a patient, the longitudinal axes A1, A2 can be offset from one another in one or more planes, e.g., in a coronal plane, in a sagittal plane, or in both coronal and sagittal planes of the patient.

The first and second rods 102, 104 can have any of a variety of diameters D1, D2. In some embodiments, the diameters D1, D2 can range from 2.5 mm to 7.5 mm. For example, the diameters D1, D2 can be about 2.5 mm, about 3.0 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4.0 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 4.75 mm, about 5.0 mm, about 5.5 mm, about 6.0 mm, about 6.35 mm, about 6.5 mm, about 7.0 mm, or about 7.5 mm. It will be appreciated that the diameter D1 of the first rod 102 can be less than, equal to, or greater than the diameter D2 of the second rod, as shown for example in FIG. 1A in which the first rod 102 has a lesser diameter than the second rod 104.

The first and second rods 102, 104 can be substantially straight along their length, or can include one or more bends or curves formed therein. The first and second rods 102, 104 can be malleable or bendable such that they can be bent before or during a procedure to achieve a desired shape, e.g., to achieve a desired correction or a desired curvature to conform to the lordosis or kyphosis of the spine.

The connector 106 can include a superior surface 108 and an inferior surface 110 from which the first and second rods 102, 104 respectively extend. While the rods 102, 104 are shown terminating at the connector 106, in some embodiments one or both of the rods can extend completely through the connector. The first and second rods 102, 104 can extend from the connector 106 in opposite directions as shown, though in other configurations the first and second rods can extend in the same direction, perpendicularly, or at an oblique angle from one another. The connector 106 can include flanges or gussets 112 where the rods 102, 104 meet the connector. The flanges 112 can provide additional strength to the joints between the rods 102, 104 and the connector 106.

In embodiments in which the rods 102, 104 and the connector 106 are separate components, the connector can include first and second recesses in which the rods are respectively received. As noted above, the rods 102, 104 can be welded or otherwise permanently secured within the recesses. The diameter of the recesses can correspond to that of the rod 102, 104 to which the connector 106 is to be coupled, though it will be appreciated that the diameter of the recesses can be the same, independent of the rod diameters to which the connector is coupled, and the rods can include a standard-sized mating end to mate with each recess. The recesses can be formed on opposite surfaces of the connector 106, or on the same surface of the connector. The recesses can extend completely through the connector 106, e.g., from the superior surface 108 to the opposite inferior surface 110, or can terminate prior to reaching the opposite surface.

The superior and inferior surfaces 108, 110 of the connector 106 can be connected by a sidewall 114 having a posterior portion 116, an anterior portion 118, and opposed lateral portions 120, 122. One or more portions of the sidewall 114 can be curved or tapered, e.g., to form an atraumatic shape or to provide clearance for anatomy or implants. For example, as shown, the lateral portions 120, 122 of the sidewall 114 can each form a section of a cylinder. As also shown, the intersections between the sidewall 114 and the superior and inferior surfaces 108, 110 can be convexly curved.

The connector 106 can define a width WC extending between the opposed lateral extents of the sidewall 114, a height HC extending between the anterior and posterior extents of the sidewall, and a thickness TC extending between the superior and inferior surfaces 108, 110. The connector 106 can also define an offset OC measured between the central axis A1 of the first rod 102 where the first rod meets the connector and the central axis A2 of the second rod 104 where the second rod meets the connector. The offset OC can be parallel to the width direction of the connector 106 as shown, or can extend obliquely relative to the width direction. In other words, the rods 102, 104 can be offset in both the width direction and the height direction of the connector 106.

The thickness TC of the connector 106 can vary based on factors such as the diameter of the rods 102, 104, the spacing between bone anchors with which the implant 100 is to be used, the size of bone anchors with which the implant is to be used, anatomical dimensions of the patient, and so forth. The thickness TC can be selected to be small enough to fit between adjacent bone anchors but large enough to withstand anatomical forces to which the connector 106 is likely to be subjected post-implantation.

The thickness TC can be in the range of 0.5 mm to 8 mm, in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm, and/or in the range of 2 mm to 4 mm. The thickness TC can be about 3.5 mm.

The thickness TC can be about 8 mm, about 7.5 mm, about 7.0 mm, about 6.5 mm, about 6.0 mm, about 5.5 mm, about 5.0 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 4.0 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 3.0 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.0 mm, and/or about 0.5 mm.

The thickness TC can be less than about 8 mm, less than about 7 mm, less than about 6 mm, less than about 5 mm, less than about 4 mm, less than about 3 mm, less than about 2 mm, and/or less than about 1 mm.

The thickness TC can be less than, equal to, or greater than the diameter D1 of the first rod 102. The ratio between the thickness TC and the diameter D1 can be in the range of 0.05 to 3.0, in the range of 0.25 to 1, and/or in the range of 0.5 to 0.75. The ratio between the thickness TC and the diameter D1 can be about 3.0, about 2.5, about 2.0, about 1.0, about 0.75, about 0.5, about 0.25, about 0.1, and/or about 0.05. The ratio between the thickness TC and the diameter D1 can be less than about 3.0, less than about 2.5, less than about 2.0, less than about 1.0, less than about 0.75, less than about 0.5, less than about 0.25, less than about 0.1, and/or less than about 0.05.

The thickness TC can be less than, equal to, or greater than the diameter D2 of the second rod 104. The ratio between the thickness TC and the diameter D2 can be in the range of 0.05 to 3.0, in the range of 0.25 to 1, and/or in the range of 0.5 to 0.75. The ratio between the thickness TC and the diameter D2 can be about 3.0, about 2.5, about 2.0, about 1.0, about 0.75, about 0.5, about 0.25, about 0.1, and/or about 0.05. The ratio between the thickness TC and the diameter D2 can be less than about 3.0, less than about 2.5, less than about 2.0, less than about 1.0, less than about 0.75, less than about 0.5, less than about 0.25, less than about 0.1, and/or less than about 0.05.

The thickness TC can be less than, equal to, or greater than a corresponding thickness dimension T1 of the head portion of a first bone anchor in which the first rod 102 is disposed. The first bone anchor can be positioned adjacent to and/or in contact with the superior surface 108 of the connector 106. The ratio between the thickness TC and the thickness T1 can be in the range of 0.04 to 1.3, in the range of 0.33 to 0.75, and/or in the range of 0.4 to 0.6. The ratio between the thickness TC and the thickness T1 can be about 1.3, about 1.0, about 0.75, about 0.6, about 0.5, about 0.4, about 0.33, about 0.25, about 0.1, and/or about 0.04. The ratio between the thickness TC and the thickness T1 can be less than about 1.3, less than about 1.0, less than about 0.75, less than about 0.6, less than about 0.5, less than about 0.25, less than about 0.1, and/or less than about 0.04.

The thickness TC can be less than, equal to, or greater than a corresponding thickness dimension T2 of the head portion of a second bone anchor in which the second rod 104 is disposed. The second bone anchor can be positioned adjacent to and/or in contact with the inferior surface 110 of the connector 106. The ratio between the thickness TC and the thickness T2 can be in the range of 0.04 to 1.3, in the range of 0.33 to 0.75, and/or in the range of 0.4 to 0.6. The ratio between the thickness TC and the thickness T2 can be about 1.3, about 1.0, about 0.75, about 0.6, about 0.5, about 0.4, about 0.33, about 0.25, about 0.1, and/or about 0.04. The ratio between the thickness TC and the thickness T2 can be less than about 1.3, less than about 1.0, less than about 0.75, less than about 0.6, less than about 0.5, less than about 0.25, less than about 0.1, and/or less than about 0.04.

The thickness TC can be less than, equal to, or greater than the offset OC of the connector 106. The ratio between the thickness TC and the offset OC can be in the range of 0.05 to 2.0, in the range of 0.25 to 1, and/or in the range of 0.5 to 0.75. The ratio between the thickness TC and the offset OC can be about 2.0, about 1.0, about 0.75, about 0.5, about 0.25, about 0.1, and/or about 0.05. The ratio between the thickness TC and the offset OC can be less than about 2.0, less than about 1.0, less than about 0.75, less than about 0.5, less than about 0.25, less than about 0.1, and/or less than about 0.05.

The thickness TC can be less than or equal to a distance in the coronal plane between an inferior-most extent of a first bone anchor implanted in a first vertebra and a superior-most extent of a second bone anchor implanted in a second vertebra, the second vertebra being inferior to the first vertebra and adjacent to the first vertebra.

An implant 100 having the above dimensions can overcome space constraints for securing an implant between adjacent offsetting bone anchors while also providing a secure connection with rods disposed in those bone anchors.

The rods 102, 104 and the connector 106 can be formed from rigid or malleable materials, including metals such as titanium, titanium alloys, cobalt chromium, or stainless steel, polymers such as PEEK, ceramics, fibers such as carbon fiber, any of a variety of materials suitable for use in surgical implants, and combinations thereof.

In use, the implant 100 can be coupled to one or more bone anchors to secure the implant to a bone structure of a patient. For example, as shown in FIG. 1E, the implant 100 can be coupled to a plurality of bone anchors implanted in the spine of a patient such that the first and second rods 102, 104 extend longitudinally along the spine. Multiple implants 100 can be secured to the spine, e.g., one on each side of the midline M of the spine as shown. The implants 100 can be secured to the posterior aspects of the spine, e.g., using bone anchors implanted in the pedicle, lateral mass, or lamina of each vertebra, or in the lateral or anterior aspects of the spine.

In the illustrated construct, four superior vertebrae C3, C4, C5, C6 are instrumented with bilateral lateral mass screws and two inferior vertebrae C7, T1 are instrumented with bilateral pedicle screws. A lateral offset exists between the rod slots of the lateral mass screws implanted in C6 and the pedicle screws implanted in C7. Accordingly, the connector 106 of the implant 100 can be positioned as shown between C6 and C7 to provide a lateral offset between the first rod 102 disposed in the superior lateral mass screws and the second rod 104 disposed in the inferior pedicle screws. The connector 106 can be positioned such that the superior surface 108 contacts the head portion of a superior bone anchor and such that the inferior surface 110 contacts the head portion of an inferior bone anchor, the superior and inferior bone anchors being implanted in adjacent vertebrae.

It will be appreciated that the arrangement shown is merely exemplary, and that any number of implants 100 or bone anchors can be used at any level of the spine.

Once the desired orientation of the implant 100 and the patient anatomy is achieved, the rods 102, 104 can be fixed in place by set screws or other closure mechanisms secured to the bone anchors. It will be appreciated that the implant 100 can be used with any of a variety of bone anchors, including those shown in FIG. 1E, the exemplary prior art bone anchor described below and shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, or any other suitable bone anchor.

FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an implant 200 which can be used, for example, to connect offsetting bone anchors. As shown, the implant 200 can include a first rod 202, a second rod 204, and a connector 206 that connects the first and second rods. The rods 202, 204 can be selectively coupled to the connector 206, e.g., using a threaded connection as shown, or can be permanently coupled to the connector or formed as a single monolithic unit with the connector. For example, the first and second rods 202, 204 can be welded or permanently affixed to the connector 206 during manufacturing. While a threaded connection is shown, the rods 202, 204 can also be coupled to the connector 206 using a keyed, pinned, snap-fit, interference-fit, or other connection. The connector 206 can provide a lateral offset or shift between the first rod 202 and the second rod 204. In use, as shown in FIG. 2F, the first and second rods 202, 204 can be secured to respective first and second bone anchors implanted in a patient, e.g., in vertebrae of the patient's spine, with the connector 206 being disposed between the bone anchors.

The low profile nature of the connector 206 can allow the offset connection between the rods 202, 204 to fit in a relatively small space. For example, the connector 206 can fit between bone anchors implanted in adjacent vertebrae, even when the adjacent vertebrae are very closely-spaced, such as the cervical vertebrae or the vertebrae of pediatric or small patients. This can obviate the need for the construct to skip over a vertebral level at the location of the offset, as is typically required with existing offset rods and tandem rod-to-rod connectors. Securing the construct without skipping over a level can, at least in some embodiments, improve the strength or stability of the construct. While it can be advantageous to avoid skipping levels, the methods and devices herein do not require that to be the case.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second rods 202, 204 are elongate cylindrical spinal rods, though it will be appreciated that the first and second rods can take other forms, such as bone plates, wires, tethers, and the like. It will also be appreciated that, while the illustrated rods 202, 204 have a circular cross-section, any of a variety of cross-sections can be used such as oval, oblong, square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, and so forth. The first rod 202 can have a diameter D1 and a central longitudinal axis A1. The second rod 204 can have a diameter D2 and a central longitudinal axis A2. When implanted in a patient, the longitudinal axes A1, A2 can be offset from one another in one or more planes, e.g., in a coronal plane, in a sagittal plane, or in both coronal and sagittal planes of the patient.

The first and second rods 202, 204 can have any of a variety of diameters D1, D2. In some embodiments, the diameters D1, D2 can range from 2.5 mm to 7.5 mm. For example, the diameters D1, D2 can be about 2.5 mm, about 3.0 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4.0 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 4.75 mm, about 5.0 mm, about 5.5 mm, about 6.0 mm, about 6.35 mm, about 6.5 mm, about 7.0 mm, or about 7.5 mm. It will be appreciated that the diameter D1 of the first rod 202 can be less than, equal to, or greater than the diameter D2 of the second rod 204, as shown for example in FIG. 2A in which the second rod 204 has a greater diameter than the first rod 202.

The first and second rods 202, 204 can be substantially straight along their length, or can include one or more bends or curves formed therein. The first and second rods 202, 204 can be malleable or bendable such that they can be bent before or during a procedure to achieve a desired shape, e.g., to achieve a desired correction or a desired curvature to conform to the lordosis or kyphosis of the spine.

The connector 206 can include a superior surface 208 and an inferior surface 210 from which the first and second rods 202, 204 respectively extend. While the rods 202, 204 are shown terminating at the connector 206, in some embodiments one or both of the rods can extend completely through the connector. The first and second rods 202, 204 can extend from the connector in opposite directions as shown, though in other configurations the first and second rods can extend in the same direction, perpendicularly, or at an oblique angle from one another. The connector 206 can include flanges or gussets (not shown) where the rods 202, 204 meet the connector. The flanges can provide additional strength to the joints between the rods 202, 204 and the connector 206.

The connector 206 can include a central portion 206A that extends between opposed lateral portions 206B, 206C.

In embodiments in which the rods 202, 204 and the connector 206 are separate components, the connector can include first and second recesses 224, 226 in which the rods are respectively received. The first recess 224 can be formed in one lateral portion 206C of the connector and the second recess can 226 be formed in the opposite lateral portion 206B. As noted above, the rods 202, 204 can be welded or otherwise permanently secured within the recesses 224, 226. The diameter of the recesses 224, 226 can correspond to that of the rod to which the connector 206 is to be coupled, though it will be appreciated that the diameter of the recesses can be the same, independent of the rod diameters to which the connector is coupled, and the rods can include a standard-sized mating end to mate with each recess. The recesses 224, 226 can be formed on opposite surfaces of the connector 206, or on the same surface of the connector. The recesses 224, 226 can extend completely through the connector, e.g., from the superior surface 208 to the opposite inferior surface 210, or can terminate prior to reaching the opposite surface. As shown in FIG. 2B, each rod 202, 204 can include an externally-threaded feature 228 for selectively coupling the rod to a corresponding threaded recess 224, 226 of the connector 206. The threaded feature 228 can be formed at a terminal end of the rod as shown or at any location along the rod's length, e.g., at a midpoint of the rod.

The connector 206 can include one or more drive interfaces to facilitate application of torque or other forces to the connector, e.g., for coupling the connector to the rods 202, 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 206 includes first and second drive interfaces 230, 232 that are axially aligned with and opposite to the first and second rod recesses 224, 226. In particular, the connector 206 includes a first drive interface 230 formed in the inferior surface 210 and in the first lateral portion 206C, a first rod recess 224 formed in the superior surface 208 and in the first lateral portion 206C, a second rod recess 226 formed in the inferior surface 210 and in the second lateral portion 206B, and a second drive interface 232 formed in the superior surface 208 and in the second lateral portion 206B. The drive interfaces 230, 232 can have any geometry that facilitates application of torque or other forces to the connector 206, e.g., for rotatably tightening the connector to the first and second rods 202, 204. A Torx or hexalobe drive interface is shown, though it will be appreciated that other drive types such as slotted, Phillips, square, Robertson, hex, pentalobe, etc. can be used instead or in addition.

The superior and inferior surfaces 208, 210 of the connector 206 can be connected by a sidewall 214 having a posterior portion 216, an anterior portion 218, and opposed lateral portions 220, 222. One or more portions of the sidewall 214 can be curved or tapered, e.g., to form an atraumatic shape or to provide clearance for anatomy or implants. For example, as shown, the posterior portion 216, the anterior portion 218, and the opposed lateral portions 220, 222 of the sidewall 214 can each have a cross-section that forms a section of an ellipse. In some embodiments, the connector 206 can have an elliptical cross-section. As also shown, the intersections between the sidewall 214 and the superior and inferior surfaces 208, 210 can be convexly curved.

The connector 206 can define a width WC extending between the opposed lateral extents of the sidewall 214, a height HC extending between the anterior and posterior extents of the sidewall 214, and a thickness TC extending between the superior and inferior surfaces 208, 210. The connector 206 can also define an offset OC measured between the central axis A1 of the first rod 202 where the first rod meets the connector and the central axis A2 of the second rod 204 where the second rod meets the connector. The offset OC can be parallel to the width direction of the connector 206 as shown, or can extend obliquely relative to the width direction. In other words, the rods 202, 204 can be offset in both the width direction and the height direction of the connector 206.

The thickness TC of the connector 206 can vary along the width WC of the connector. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the central portion 206A of the connector has a thickness TC that varies with the contour of the superior and inferior surfaces 208, 210 to a minimum thickness TCA. The opposed lateral portions 206B, 206C of the connector each have a thickness TCB, TCC that is greater than the thickness TCA of the central portion 206A.

The connector 206 can thus include contoured superior and/or inferior surfaces 208, 210. The contour of the superior and inferior surfaces 208, 210 can be selected to conform or substantially conform to the exterior profile of one or more bone anchors or other implants with which the connector 206 is to be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 2E, the superior surface 208 of the connector can include a planar portion configured to abut or contact a corresponding planar portion of the head or receiver member of a superior bone anchor 234. The superior surface 208 can also include a concavely curved portion configured to abut or contact a corresponding convexly curved portion of the head or receiver member of the superior bone anchor 234. The superior surface 208 can include a convexly curved portion at an end opposite the planar portion, where the first drive interface 232 can be formed. The inferior surface 210 of the connector 206 can be similarly shaped. Accordingly, one or both of the superior and inferior surfaces 208, 210 of the connector 206 can conform to, nest with, provide a relief for, and/or form a negative of corresponding exterior surfaces of adjacent bone anchors 234, 236. In some embodiments, the superior and inferior surfaces 208, 210 closely track and/or make contact with the adjacent bone anchors 234, 236 along a portion of the exterior perimeter of the head of the bone anchor, e.g., along at least 45 degrees of the perimeter, along at least 60 degrees of the perimeter, along at least 75 degrees of the perimeter, along at least 90 degrees of the perimeter, and/or along at least 115 degrees of the perimeter. While the superior and inferior surfaces are shown with convex portions, those portions can alternatively be flat, counterbored, and so forth.

The thickness TCA of the central portion 206A of the connector 206 can vary based on factors such as the diameter of the rods 202, 204, the spacing between bone anchors with which the implant 200 is to be used, the size of bone anchors with which the implant is to be used, anatomical dimensions of the patient, and so forth. The thickness TCA can be selected to be small enough to fit between adjacent bone anchors but large enough to withstand anatomical forces to which the connector 206 is likely to be subjected post-implantation.

The thickness TCA can be in the range of 0.5 mm to 8 mm, in the range of 2 mm to 4 mm, and/or in the range of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm.

The thickness TCA can be about 8 mm, about 7.5 mm, about 7.0 mm, about 6.5 mm, about 6.0 mm, about 5.5 mm, about 5.0 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 4.0 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 3.0 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.0 mm, and/or about 0.5 mm.

The thickness TCA can be less than about 8 mm, less than about 7 mm, less than about 6 mm, less than about 5 mm, less than about 4 mm, less than about 3 mm, less than about 2 mm, and/or less than about 1 mm.

The thickness TCA can be less than, equal to, or greater than the diameter D1 of the first rod 202. The ratio between the thickness TCA and the diameter D1 can be in the range of 0.05 to 3.0, in the range of 0.25 to 1, and/or in the range of 0.5 to 0.75. The ratio between the thickness TCA and the diameter D1 can be about 3.0, about 2.5, about 2.0, about 1.0, about 0.75, about 0.5, about 0.25, about 0.1, and/or about 0.05. The ratio between the thickness TCA and the diameter D1 can be less than about 3.0, less than about 2.5, less than about 2.0, less than about 1.0, less than about 0.75, less than about 0.5, less than about 0.25, less than about 0.1, and/or less than about 0.05.

The thickness TCA can be less than, equal to, or greater than the diameter D2 of the second rod 204. The ratio between the thickness TCA and the diameter D2 can be in the range of 0.05 to 3.0, in the range of 0.25 to 1, and/or in the range of 0.5 to 0.75. The ratio between the thickness TCA and the diameter D2 can be about 3.0, about 2.5, about 2.0, about 1.0, about 0.75, about 0.5, about 0.25, about 0.1, and/or about 0.05. The ratio between the thickness TCA and the diameter D2 can be less than about 3.0, less than about 2.5, less than about 2.0, less than about 1.0, less than about 0.75, less than about 0.5, less than about 0.25, less than about 0.1, and/or less than about 0.05.

The thickness TCA can be less than, equal to, or greater than a corresponding thickness dimension T1 of the head portion of a first bone anchor 234 in which the first rod 202 is disposed. The first bone anchor 234 can be positioned adjacent to and/or in contact with the superior surface 208 of the connector 206. The ratio between the thickness TCA and the thickness T1 can be in the range of 0.04 to 1.3, in the range of 0.33 to 0.75, and/or in the range of 0.4 to 0.6. The ratio between the thickness TCA and the thickness T1 can be about 1.3, about 1.0, about 0.75, about 0.6, about 0.5, about 0.4, about 0.33, about 0.25, about 0.1, and/or about 0.04. The ratio between the thickness TCA and the thickness T1 can be less than about 1.3, less than about 1.0, less than about 0.75, less than about 0.6, less than about 0.5, less than about 0.25, less than about 0.1, and/or less than about 0.04.

The thickness TCA can be less than, equal to, or greater than a corresponding thickness dimension T2 of the head portion of a second bone anchor 236 in which the second rod 204 is disposed. The second bone anchor 236 can be positioned adjacent to and/or in contact with the inferior surface 210 of the connector 206. The ratio between the thickness TCA and the thickness T2 can be in the range of 0.04 to 1.3, in the range of 0.33 to 0.75, and/or in the range of 0.4 to 0.6. The ratio between the thickness TCA and the thickness T2 can be about 1.3, about 1.0, about 0.75, about 0.6, about 0.5, about 0.4, about 0.33, about 0.25, about 0.1, and/or about 0.04. The ratio between the thickness TCA and the thickness T2 can be less than about 1.3, less than about 1.0, less than about 0.75, less than about 0.6, less than about 0.5, less than about 0.25, less than about 0.1, and/or less than about 0.04.

The thickness TCA can be less than, equal to, or greater than the offset OC of the connector 206. The ratio between the thickness TCA and the offset OC can be in the range of 0.05 to 2.0, in the range of 0.25 to 1, and/or in the range of 0.5 to 0.75. The ratio between the thickness TCA and the offset OC can be about 2.0, about 1.0, about 0.75, about 0.5, about 0.25, about 0.1, and/or about 0.05. The ratio between the thickness TCA and the offset OC can be less than about 2.0, less than about 1.0, less than about 0.75, less than about 0.5, less than about 0.25, less than about 0.1, and/or less than about 0.05.

The thickness TCA can be less than or equal to a distance in the coronal plane between an inferior-most extent of a first bone anchor implanted in a first vertebra and a superior-most extent of a second bone anchor implanted in a second vertebra, the second vertebra being inferior to the first vertebra and adjacent to the first vertebra.

An implant having the above dimensions can overcome space constraints for securing an implant 200 between adjacent offsetting bone anchors while also providing a secure connection with rods disposed in those bone anchors.

The rods 202, 204 and the connector 206 can be formed from rigid or malleable materials, including metals such as titanium, titanium alloys, cobalt chromium, or stainless steel, polymers such as PEEK, ceramics, fibers such as carbon fiber, any of a variety of materials suitable for use in surgical implants, and combinations thereof.

In use, the implant 200 can be coupled to one or more bone anchors to secure the implant to a bone structure of a patient. For example, as shown in FIG. 2F, the implant 200 can be coupled to a plurality of bone anchors implanted in the spine of a patient such that the first and second rods 202, 204 extend longitudinally along the spine. Multiple implants 200 can be secured to the spine, e.g., one on each side of the midline M of the spine as shown. The implants 200 can be secured to the posterior aspects of the spine, e.g., using bone anchors implanted in the pedicle, lateral mass, or lamina of each vertebra, or in the lateral or anterior aspects of the spine.

In the illustrated construct, four superior vertebrae C3, C4, C5, C6 are instrumented with bilateral lateral mass screws and two inferior vertebrae C7, T1 are instrumented with bilateral pedicle screws. A lateral offset exists between the lateral mass screws implanted in C6 and the pedicle screws implanted in C7. Accordingly, the connector 206 of the implant 200 can be positioned as shown between C6 and C7 to provide a lateral offset between the first rod 202 disposed in the superior lateral mass screws and the second rod 204 disposed in the inferior pedicle screws. The connector 206 can be positioned such that the superior surface 208 contacts the head portion of a superior bone anchor and such that the inferior surface 210 contacts the head portion of an inferior bone anchor, the superior and inferior screws being implanted in adjacent vertebrae.

It will be appreciated that the arrangement shown is merely exemplary, and that any number of implants 200 or bone anchors can be used at any level of the spine.

Once the desired orientation of the implant 200 and the patient anatomy is achieved, the rods 202, 204 can be fixed in place by set screws or other closure mechanisms secured to the bone anchors. It will be appreciated that the implant 200 can be used with any of a variety of bone anchors, including those shown in FIG. 2F, the exemplary prior art bone anchor described below and shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, or any other suitable bone anchor.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an implant 300 which can be used, for example, to connect offsetting bone anchors. Except as indicated below and as will be readily appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the structure and operation of the implant 300 is substantially similar to that of the implants 100, 200 described above and therefore a detailed description is omitted here for the sake of brevity.

As shown, the implant 300 can include first and second rods 302, 304 and a connector 306 formed by an integral bent portion of the first and second rods. The rods 302, 304 can be selectively coupled to the connector 306, or can be permanently coupled to the connector or formed as a single monolithic unit with the connector. The first and second rods 302, 304 and the bent portion 306 can have the same diameter as shown in FIG. 3A, or can have different diameters as shown in FIG. 3B. The bent portion 306 can have a diameter D3 that is less than the diameter D1 of the first rod 302 and less than the diameter D2 of the second rod 304. The low profile nature of the bent portion 306 can allow the offset connection between the rods 302, 304 to fit in a relatively small space.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3C-3D, the change in diameter between the first rod 302 and the second rod 304 occurs in the bent portion 306. The bent portion 306 can include a first end 307 a and a second end 307 b having a length L therebetween. It will be appreciated that the diameter D3 can be uniform throughout its length, or, as shown in FIG. 3C, the first end 307 a can include a first diameter D3′ and the second end 307 b can include a second diameter D3″. The first diameter D3′ can be larger or smaller than the second diameter D3″. The bent portion 306 can taper continuously from the first diameter D3′ to the second diameter D3″. In other words, the diameter of the bent portion 306 can progressively decrease along the length L of the bent portion.

The bent portion 306 can include a bending radius BR which, as shown, can be the radius of curvature of the bent portion 306 at the first and/or second ends 307 a, 307 b. The value of the bending radius BR can vary based on factors such as the diameter of the rods 302, 304, the proximity of adjacent bone anchors, and so forth. The value of the bending radius BR can be in the range of 1.5 mm to 6.0 mm, in the range of 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm, in the range of 2.25 mm to 2.75 mm, and/or in the range of 2.40 mm to 2.50 mm.

The bending radius BR can be about 1.5 mm, about 1.75 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 2.25 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.75 mm, about 3.0 mm, about 3.25 mm, and/or about 6.0 mm.

The bending radius BR can be less than about 6.0 mm, less than about 3.25 mm, less than about 3.0 mm, less than about 2.75 mm, less than about 2.5 mm, less than about 2.25 mm, less than about 2 mm, less than about 1.75 mm, and/or less than about 1.5 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the value of the bending radius BR can be equal to the radius of a receiver head of a bone anchor, e.g., about 2.06 mm, about 2.50 mm, or about 2.81 mm.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3D, the bent portion 306 can include a transition portion 309. The transition portion 309 can be located at the second end 307 b, as shown in FIG. 3D, though it will be appreciated that the transition portion can be located at the first end 307 a, or at both ends. The transition portion of the rod is the point at which the bent portion 306 transitions from one diameter to another diameter. The transition portion can include a transition radius TR which, as shown, can be the radius of curvature of the transition portion 309 at a junction between the second rod 304 and the second end 307 b of the bent portion 306, though it will be appreciated that the transition radius can be located at a junction between the first rod 302 and the first end 307 a of the bent portion 306. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3D, the bending radius BR is equal to the transition radius TR, though it will be appreciated that the bending radius BR can be smaller or larger than the transition radius TR. By matching or substantially matching the bending radius BR to the transition radius TR, a bend in the rod can be formed as close as possible to the transition, advantageously minimizing the length L of the bent portion 306 and allowing the implant to fit within increasingly narrow spaces when implanted. In some embodiments, the rod can be bent using a manufacturing die having a radius that matches the bending radius BR and the transition radius TR, such that the die conforms to and fits snugly within the space between the bend and the transition. It will be appreciated that the values of the transition radius TR can fall within the same ranges discussed with regard to the bending radius BR above, though values of the transition radius can also differ.

The length L of the bent portion 306 can vary based on factors such as the diameter of the rods 302, 304, the desired offset between the rods, and the bending radius BR and the transition radius TR of the bent portion. The length L can be in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm, in the range of 7 mm to 14 mm, in the range 9 mm to 13 mm, in the range of 10 mm to 12 mm, and/or in the range of 11 to 11.5 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the length L can be about 8.6 mm or about 11.33 mm.

The length L can be about 20 mm, about 15 mm, about 14 mm, about 13 mm, about 12 mm, about 11 mm, about 10 mm, about 9 mm, about 8 mm, about 7 mm, and/or about 5 mm.

The length L can be less than about 20 mm, less than about 15 mm, less than about 14 mm, less than about 13 mm, less than about 12 mm, less than about 11 mm, less than about 10 mm, less than about 9 mm, less than about 8 mm, less than about 7 mm and/or less than about 5 mm.

The ratio between the length L and the bending radius BR can be in the range of 3.0 to 13.30, in the range of 3.25 to 4.50, in the range of 3.45 to 4.25, in the range of 3.75 to 4.0, and/or in the range of 3.8 to 3.9. The ratio between the length L and the bending radius BR can be about 13.30. about 4.50, about 4.25, about 4.0, about 3.9, about 3.8, about 3.75, about 3.45, about 3.25, and/or about 3.0. The ratio between the length L and the bending radius BR can be less than about 13.30, less than about 4.50, less than about 4.25, less than about 4.0, less than about 3.9, less than about 3.8, less than about 3.75, less than about 3.45, less than about 3.25, and/or less than about 3.0.

The offset OC between the rods 302, 304 can vary based on factors such as the diameter of the rods 302, 304, the spacing between bone anchors with which the implant 300 is to be used, the size of bone anchors with which the implant is to be used, anatomical dimensions of the patient, and so forth. The offset OC can be in the range of 3 mm to 15 mm, in the range of 4 mm to 9 mm, in the range of 5 mm to 8 mm, in the range of 6 mm to 7 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the offset OC can be about 6 mm or 6.75 mm.

The offset OC can be about 15 mm, about 10 mm, about 9 mm, about 8 mm, about 7 mm, about 6 mm, about 5 mm, about 4 mm, and/or about 3 mm.

The offset OC can be less than about 15 mm, less than about 10 mm, less than about 9 mm, less than about 8 mm, less than about 7 mm, less than about 6 mm, less than about 5 mm, less than about 4 mm, and/or less than about 3 mm.

The ratio between the offset OC and the bending radius BR can be in the range of 2.0 to 3.0, in the range of 2.1 to 2.9, in the range of 2.25 to 2.75, and/or in the range of 2.4 to 2.5. The ratio between the offset OC and the bending radius BR can be about 3.0, about 2.9, about 2.75, about 2.5, about 2.4, about 2.25, about 2.1, and/or about 2.0. The ratio between the offset OC and the bending radius BR can be less than about 3.0, less than about 2.9, less than about 2.75, less than about 2.5, less than about 2.4, less than about 2.25, less than about 2.1, and/or less than about 2.0.

The ratio between the length L and the offset OC can be in the range of 1.0 to 2.0, in the range of 1.25 to 1.75, in the range of 1.40 to 1.66, and/or in the range of 1.50 to 1.55. The ratio between the length L and the offset OC can be about 2.0, about 1.75, about 1.67, about 1.55, about 1.50, about 1.40, about 1.25, and/or about 1.0. The ratio between the length L and the offset OC can be less than about 2.0, less than about 1.75, less than about 1.67, less than about 1.55, less than about 1.50, less than about 1.40, less than about 1.25, and/or less than about 1.0.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a prior art bone anchor assembly 410 that can be used with the implants 100, 200, 300 disclosed herein. The bone anchor assembly 410 includes a bone anchor 412, a head or receiver member 414 for receiving a spinal fixation element, such as a spinal rod 422, to be coupled to the bone anchor 412, and a closure mechanism or set screw 416 to capture a spinal fixation element within the receiver member 414 and fix the spinal fixation element with respect to the receiver member 414. The bone anchor 412 includes a proximal head 418 and a distal shaft 420 configured to engage bone. The receiver member 414 has a proximal end 426 having a pair of spaced apart arms 428A, 428B defining a recess 430 therebetween and a distal end 432 having a distal end surface 434 defining an opening through which at least a portion of the bone anchor 412 extends. The closure mechanism 416 can be positionable between and can engage the arms 428A, 428B to capture a spinal fixation element, e.g., a spinal rod 422, within the receiver member 414 and fix the spinal fixation element with respect to the receiver member 414.

The proximal head 418 of the bone anchor 412 is generally in the shape of a truncated sphere having a planar proximal surface 436 and an approximately spherically-shaped distal surface 438. The illustrated bone anchor assembly is a polyaxial bone screw designed for posterior implantation in the pedicle or lateral mass of a vertebra. The proximal head 418 of the bone anchor 412 engages the distal end 432 of the receiver member 414 in a ball and socket like arrangement in which the proximal head 418 and the distal shaft 420 can pivot relative to the receiver member 414. The distal surface 438 of the proximal head 418 of the bone anchor 412 and a mating surface within the distal end 432 of the receiver member 414 can have any shape that facilitates this arrangement, including, for example, spherical (as illustrated), toroidal, conical, frustoconical, and any combinations of these shapes.

The distal shaft 420 of the bone anchor 412 can be configured to engage bone and, in the illustrated embodiment, includes an external bone engaging thread 440. The thread form for the distal shaft 420, including the number of threads, the pitch, the major and minor diameters, and the thread shape, can be selected to facilitate connection with bone. The distal shaft 420 can also include other structures for engaging bone, including a hook. The distal shaft 420 of the bone anchor 412 can be cannulated, having a central passage or cannula 472 extending the length of the bone anchor to facilitate delivery of the bone anchor over a guidewire in, for example, minimally-invasive procedures. Other components of the bone anchor assembly 410, including, for example, the closure mechanism 416, the receiver member 414, and the compression member 460 (discussed below) can be cannulated or otherwise have an opening to permit delivery over a guidewire. The distal shaft 420 can also include one or more sidewall openings or fenestrations that communicate with the cannula to permit bone in-growth or to permit the dispensing of bone cement or other materials through the bone anchor 412. The sidewall openings can extend radially from the cannula through the sidewall of the distal shaft 420. The distal shaft 420 of the bone anchor 412 can also be coated with materials to permit bone growth, such as, for example, hydroxyapatite, and the bone anchor assembly 410 can be coated partially or entirely with anti-infective materials, such as, for example, tryclosan.

The proximal end 426 of the receiver member 414 includes a pair of spaced apart arms 428A, 428B defining a U-shaped recess 430 therebetween for receiving a spinal fixation element, e.g., a spinal rod 422. Each of the arms 428A, 428B can extend from the distal end 432 of the receiver member 414 to a free end. The outer surfaces of each of the arms 428A, 428B can include a feature, such as a recess, dimple, notch, projection, or the like, to facilitate connection of the receiver member 414 to instruments. For example, the outer surface of each arm 428A, 428B can include an arcuate groove at the respective free end of the arms.

The distal end 432 of the receiver member 414 includes a distal end surface 434 which is generally annular in shape defining a circular opening through which at least a portion of the bone anchor 412 extends. For example, the distal shaft 420 of the bone anchor 412 can extend through the opening.

The bone anchor 412 can be selectively fixed relative to the receiver member 414. Prior to fixation, the bone anchor 412 is movable relative to the receiver member 414 within a cone of angulation generally defined by the geometry of the distal end 432 of the receiver member and the proximal head 418 of the bone anchor 412. The bone anchor 410 can be a favored angle screw or a conventional (non-biased) polyaxial screw in which the bone anchor pivots in the same amount in every direction.

The spinal fixation element, e.g., the spinal rod 422, can either directly contact the proximal head 418 of the bone anchor 412 or can contact an intermediate element, e.g., a compression member 460. The compression member 460 can be positioned within the receiver member 414 and interposed between the spinal rod 422 and the proximal head 418 of the bone anchor 412 to compress the distal outer surface 438 of the proximal head 418 into direct, fixed engagement with the distal inner surface of the receiver member 414. The compression member 460 can include a pair of spaced apart arms 462A and 462B defining a U-shaped seat 464 for receiving the spinal rod 422 and a distal surface 466 for engaging the proximal head 418 of the bone anchor 412.

The proximal end 426 of the receiver member 414 can be configured to receive a closure mechanism 416 positionable between and engaging the arms 428A, 428B of the receiver member 414. The closure mechanism 416 can be configured to capture a spinal fixation element, e.g., a spinal rod 422, within the receiver member 414, to fix the spinal rod 422 relative to the receiver member 414, and to fix the bone anchor 412 relative to the receiver member 414. The closure mechanism 416 can be a single set screw having an outer thread for engaging an inner thread 442 provided on the arms 428A, 428B of the receiver member 414. In other embodiments, however, the closure mechanism 416 can include an outer set screw operable to act on the compression member 460 and an inner set screw operable to act on the rod 422.

The bone anchor assembly 410 can be used with a spinal fixation element such as rigid spinal rod 422. Alternatively, the spinal fixation element can be a dynamic stabilization member that allows controlled mobility between the instrumented vertebrae.

The devices disclosed herein can be used in various surgical procedures to stabilize adjacent bodies. In use, a user makes an incision in a patient at the site of the surgical procedure. The bone anchor assembly 410 can be assembled such that the distal shaft 420 extends through the opening in the distal end 432 of the receiver member 414 and the proximal head 418 of the bone anchor 412 is received in the distal end 432 of the receiver member 414. A driver tool can be fitted with the bone anchor 412 to drive the bone anchor 412 into bone. The user can implant a first bone anchor and a second bone anchor at the surgical site in connection with any of the methods described above. For example, a first bone anchor 402 can be implanted in a first vertebra and a second bone anchor 422 can be implanted in a second vertebra. It will be appreciated that the bone anchors can be implanted in other parts of the spine, such as the thoracic spine, lumbar spine, and so forth, or in other parts of the body, such as the femur, tibia, ulna, etc. The compression member 460 can be positioned within the receiver member 414 such that the arms 462A, 462B of the compression member are aligned with the arms 428A, 428B of the receiver member 414 and the lower surface of the compression member 414 is in contact with the proximal head 418 of the bone anchor 412. A fixation element, e.g., the rod 422, can be located in the recess 430 of the receiver member 414. The closure mechanism 416 can be engaged with the inner thread 442 provided on the arms 428A, 428B of the receiver member 414. A torsional force can be applied to the closure mechanism 416 to move it within the recess 430 so as to force the spinal rod 422 into engagement with the compression member 460 and to in turn force the compression member 460 onto the proximal head 418 of the bone anchor 412, thereby fixing the spinal rod 422 relative to the receiver member 414 and locking the angular position of the bone anchor 412 relative to the receiver member 414.

The implants disclosed herein can be constructed from any of a variety of known materials. Exemplary materials include those which are suitable for use in surgical applications, including metals such as titanium, titanium alloy, cobalt chromium, stainless steel, polymers such as PEEK, ceramics, carbon fiber, and so forth. The various components of the implants disclosed herein can be rigid or flexible. One or more components or portions of the implant can be formed from a radiopaque material to facilitate visualization under fluoroscopy and other imaging techniques, or from a radiolucent material so as not to interfere with visualization of other structures. Exemplary radiolucent materials include carbon fiber and high-strength polymers.

The devices and methods disclosed herein can be used in minimally-invasive surgery and/or open surgery. The devices disclosed herein can be fully or partially implanted, or can be used in an external fixation system. While the devices and methods disclosed herein are generally described in the context of the spine, it will be appreciated that the methods and devices disclosed herein can be used with any human or animal bone or other tissue, in any of a variety of surgeries performed on humans or animals, and/or in fields unrelated to implants or surgery. While implants having two rods are disclosed herein, in some embodiments the implants can include three or more rods connected by a connector.

Although specific embodiments are described above, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that this disclosure not be limited to the described embodiments. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A spinal implant connector, comprising: a superior surface; an inferior surface; a central portion; first and second lateral portions on opposite sides of the central portion; a first drive interface formed in the superior surface and in the first lateral portion; a first rod recess formed in the superior surface and in the second lateral portion; a second rod recess formed in the inferior surface and in the first lateral portion; and a second drive interface formed in the inferior surface and in the second lateral portion, wherein the connector is S-shaped.
 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first and second recesses are threaded.
 3. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first and second rod recesses are welded, keyed, pinned, snap-fitted, or interference-fitted to first and second rods disposed therein.
 4. The connector of claim 1, wherein the connector provides a relief for an adjacent bone anchor.
 5. The connector of claim 1, wherein the central portion has a thickness between the superior and inferior surfaces that is less than a thickness of the first lateral portion between the superior and inferior surfaces and less than a thickness of the second lateral portion between the superior and inferior surfaces.
 6. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first and second drive interfaces are formed in respective convex portions of the superior and inferior surfaces.
 7. The connector of claim 1, wherein the superior surface includes a convex portion in which the first drive interface is formed, a planar portion in which the first rod recess is formed, and a curved portion connecting the convex portion and the planar portion.
 8. The connector of claim 7, wherein the inferior surface includes a convex portion in which the second drive interface is formed, a planar portion in which the second rod recess is formed, and a curved portion connecting the convex portion and the planar portion.
 9. A surgical method, comprising: implanting a first bone anchor in a first vertebra of a spine of a patient; implanting a second bone anchor in a second vertebra of the spine; and positioning a connector such that: a first rod extending from the connector is seated in the first bone anchor; a second rod extending from the connector is seated in the second bone anchor; a superior surface of the connector contacts an inferior surface of the first bone anchor; and an inferior surface of the connector contacts a superior surface of the second bone anchor.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the superior surface of the connector conforms to the first bone anchor and the inferior surface of the connector conforms to the second bone anchor.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the superior surface of the connector provides a relief to the first bone anchor and the inferior surface of the connector provides a relief to the second bone anchor.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the first and second bone anchors are positioned on the same side of the midline of the spine.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the first and second vertebrae are adjacent.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first and second vertebrae are cervical vertebrae.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first vertebra is C6 and the second vertebra is C7.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the first vertebra is C6 and the second vertebra is T1.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the first vertebra is C7 and the second vertebra is T1.
 18. The method of claim 9, wherein the superior surface extends around at least 90 degrees of the perimeter of a head of the first bone anchor.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the inferior surface extends around at least 90 degrees of the perimeter of a head of the second bone anchor.
 20. The method of claim 9, wherein positioning the connector comprises threading the first rod into a first recess in the connector and applying torque to a first drive interface of the connector to tighten the first rod to the connector.
 21. The method of claim 9, wherein positioning the connector comprises attaching the first and second rods to the connector, the first and second rods having different diameters.
 22. A spinal implant connector, comprising: a superior surface; an inferior surface; a rigid central portion; first and second lateral portions on opposite sides of the central portion; a first drive interface formed in the superior surface and in the first lateral portion; a first rod recess formed in the superior surface and in the second lateral portion; a second rod recess formed in the inferior surface and in the first lateral portion; and a second drive interface formed in the inferior surface and in the second lateral portion, wherein the central portion has a thickness between the superior and inferior surfaces that is less than a thickness of the first lateral portion between the superior and inferior surfaces and less than a thickness of the second lateral portion between the superior and inferior surfaces.
 23. The connector of claim 22, wherein the first and second recesses are threaded.
 24. The connector of claim 22, wherein the first and second rod recesses are welded, keyed, pinned, snap-fitted, or interference-fitted to first and second rods disposed therein.
 25. The connector of claim 22, wherein the connector is S-shaped.
 26. The connector of claim 22, wherein the connector provides a relief for an adjacent bone anchor.
 27. The connector of claim 22, wherein the first and second drive interfaces are formed in respective convex portions of the superior and inferior surfaces.
 28. The connector of claim 22, wherein the superior surface includes a convex portion in which the first drive interface is formed, a planar portion in which the first rod recess is formed, and a curved portion connecting the convex portion and the planar portion.
 29. The connector of claim 28, wherein the inferior surface includes a convex portion in which the second drive interface is formed, a planar portion in which the second rod recess is formed, and a curved portion connecting the convex portion and the planar portion. 